**A Tale for Grown-Ups**
I was in a hurry. A terrible hurry. Today was the most important day of my life. I was going to propose to the woman I loved. In my right pocket was a little box covered in crimson satin, holding the ringa very expensive one, with a small but real diamond.
*Diamond for a diamond,* I thought.
In my left jacket pocket was another giftthe latest iPhone, also pricey. I walked with nervous energy, lips moving silently. Would she say yes? Would she smile? My thoughts were a storm inside my head, and so I didnt notice the little old lady until I nearly knocked her over.
She stood by the kerb bordering a small patch of grass in the middle of the housing estate where my fiancée lived. Who designed this maze of high kerbs, uneven paths, and slippery paving, Ill never know.
Oh! Sorry, I said.
No harm done, young man, she replied, looking at me with strangely young, lively eyes in a face lined with wrinkles.
Could you help me cross? I dont think I can manage alone.
I offered my arm, and she took it with a chuckle. What a gentleman.
We crossed the green, and she sat on the last bench.
Your sweetheart is a lucky woman, she said, her bright eyes twinkling.
How did you know?
Youre glowing, muttering to yourselfhard to miss. She sighed. My memorys gone, though. Went to the shop, forgot my purse. Too tired to go back now. Looks like no lunch for me.
I glanced at the flatjust fifty metres awayand sighed. Tell me what you need. Ill fetch it.
Oh, I couldnt ask you to spend your money.
Its fine. Todays a special day.
She smiled. Just a pint of milk, a loaf of bread, and some pasta.
Thats all?
Thats all.
I dashed to the shop, grabbing far more than she askedfour heavy bags I could barely carry back.
Goodness! she gasped. Why so much? Ill never eat all this.
Let me walk you home, I offered.
No need, she said sharply. A friends coming to collect me. Sit with me a momentno, dont check the time. I want to repay your kindness.
I sat.
Show me that ring.
I handed her the box. She examined it, then handed it back.
Very pretty, very expensive. But why no cake?
I groaned. I forgot!
She leaned in, whispering something in my ear. My eyes widened.
Are you sure?
Absolutely. She gripped my shoulder, locking eyes with me.
The next thing I knew, I was outside my girlfriends door, a cake box in hand.
*How did I get here?*
Strange. I didnt remember buying it.
I rang the bell.
She opened the door in a flattering summer dress, twirling playfully. My head spun. I handed her the cake.
Oh, perfect! How did you know my favourite?
A silly questionwed been dating a year. She made tea, and we sat.
Lets see, she said, untying the ribbon. She lifted the lidand froze.
Instead of cake, there was a tiny kitten.
What is this?! she shrieked. You know I hate filthy animals! Is this a joke? Her face twisted into something uglyfor a second, she looked like a hag. I recoiled.
I tried to laugh it off, but she wasnt having it.
Im sorry, I didnt mean to upset you. I came for something important.
She fell silent, guessing what was coming.
I knelt, pulling out the ring box. Will you marry me?
She opened itand scowled.
Empty. Another joke?
No! The old womanshe stole it!
What old woman?!
In the park! I helped her, showed her the ring
You showed a stranger my ring?!
I dont know why!
Youre lying! Youre broke, cant even afford a cake, and now you bring me some stray? Get out!
Her face twisted again. She shoved me into the hallway, slamming the door.
The kitten mewled in my arms.
Shh, little one. Lets go home.
I wandered back to the bench, heartbroken. The old woman was gone. In her place sat a gentleman in a black suit, gloved hands resting on a cane.
Was there an old lady here? I asked.
Why do you ask? His eyes were strangely young.
She stole my ring.
Ah. He chuckled. Let me see that box.
I handed it over. He opened it, then handed it back. Look closer.
The ring was therestuck to the lid.
She never stole it, he said.
But my fiancée
She threw you out. Seems you got your answer.
I loved her.
Did she love you?
I hesitated. I dont think so.
Then why go back? He grinned, eyes twinkling. Youve still got that other gift, eh?
I pulled out the iPhone.
He rewrapped it with a red ribbon from his pocket. A gifts still a gift. Whos to say its meant for her?
I walked away, puzzled. When I turned back, he was gone.
Near my building, I spotted my neighbour, Emily, kneeling on the pavement in tears. Shed dropped her phone.
Need help?
She looked up, freckled face streaked with tears. Its ruined. I cant afford a new one.
Lucky you, I said. Ive got a spare.
She protested, but I insistedphone for kitten.
She opened the box, gasping. This is too much!
Ill set it up for you later, if you like.
Her face changedsomething sweet and bright beneath the freckles.
Ten minutes, she agreed shyly.
We walked inside.
A year later, we married. I bought her a new ring, of course.
The kitten grew into a smug, pampered cat.
As for the old woman and the gentleman with the cane? I never saw them again. Sometimes, I wonder if I imagined it.
But the cat on our bed says otherwise.
Dont tell me fairy tales arent real.
You just have to pay attention.
Then youll see for yourself.
